City, county and industrial development officials along with facilities-operator Global Spectrum have planned a ceremonial “topping out” of the new Owensboro Convention Center over a two-day schedule on Jan. 10 and 11.

“We continually look for ways to connect the new venue to the community as it moves forward,” said Dean Dennis, general manager, Global Spectrum. “This is a tremendous asset being built for the citizens of Owensboro, and we felt providing an opportunity for the public to participate in this milestone was important.”

The two-day schedule enables the general public to participate by letting them sign the final beam to be placed for a small contribution to the United Way of the Ohio Valley. The beam will be on display and ready for signing one day only from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 10 at the northwestern edge of the construction site near Walnut St. and Second St.

On Jan. 11, the general public is invited to view the celebratory raising of the beam at 11:45a.m. The public will not be allowed into the construction area but will have a viewing area at the same designated location as the signing.

The final steel beam will be in place behind the podium and speakers. Local officials will provide remarks and recognize those who helped make the project happen along with subcontractors involved in the construction. Elected officials will be invited to sign the final beam as part of the ceremony prior to it being lifted and bolted into place.